Re: [Paddlewise] Rudder facts (was Weatherhelm)

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Woodard

+AD4-John Winters wrote:
+AD4-
+AD4APg- Unfortunately they printed the graphs in such a small scale that taking
+AD4APg- information off results in lots of error not to mention the error due to
+AD4APg- normal distortions of copies etc. Doing the best I could for 5 degrees of
+AD4APg- leeway I got  a 1.8+ACU- increase in drag at 2 knots, 11.4+ACU- increase
+AD4APg- at 3 knots and 14+ACU- increase at 4 knots.
+AD4-

+AD4-There are only 2 reasons I've seen to use a rudder. Someone tell me if I
+AD4-missed any:
+AD4-
+AD4-1) To compensate for a design shortfall.
+AD4-
+AD4-2) To compensate for lack of paddler skill.
+AD4-

3) To steer the boat.

Definition: Rudder, noun. Flat piece hinged to vessel's stern for steering
with. (Pocket Oxford Dictionary)

I think this is what most people use it for. In any case, John appears to be
writing about leeway, which affects both the ruddered and the rudderless
similarly.

For Bob, who wrote, +ACI-Also sailboards don't have rudders+ACIAOw- true, but they
have a skeg (or two), and round the buoys racing models (as opposed to wave
jumpers) often have a centreboard. Not a good comparison unless your kayak
has at least one skeg.

I often paddle on weed infested hydro lakes, where trying to use a rudder
can bring you to a halt, so I have plenty of experience of doing without.
Sometimes though, in clear water, my yachting background gets the better of
me, down goes the rudder and I sail off downwind.

Cheers

Allan Singleton
Hamilton NZ


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